I have come to realize that my father, who has always carried the world on his shoulder, never once lowered his head under its weight and in that he proved to me that the strength of a thousand men can be found in the heart of one man. 

My father, a man of many talents, my hero and my rock. 

He gave me priceless diamonds. Not the shiny stones you see sold for thousands and thousands of dinars - but words. 

Words that to this day ring loud and true in my ears. 

The more I take a step back and actually let the words he says sink into my heart and not just go through my ears, the more I realize that this world will never see a greater man than my father. 

He taught me how to love but more importantly he taught me how to be loved. 

He taught me to be fair, even in the face of unspeakable injustice. 

He taught me that the most important time to be brave is when I’m scared the most. 

He taught me to always look at the silver lining - I know this may sound like a cliche and something people always say about their fathers - but in this case I’ve never seen a fairer judgment of a man. 

My father was beaten down by people he helped stand on their feet - and the minute they found their strength they betrayed him, and yet he never let the darkness fill his heart with a desire for revenge. 

Instead, through him I learnt that even though the world may have turned its back on him, he found his ground and stood tall against all odds and walked tall through the landmines others have placed in his path - and guess what? The pureness of his heart got him through them all. 

I have learned many lesson from my father, he opened up my eyes and guided me by being the light in my path and being the wind under my wings. He carried me forward even when I was holding myself back, he pushed me to be the person I am today. 

I wouldn’t be me if it wasn’t for him. I owe him a debt I could spend a thousand lifetimes trying to repay - and I’ll still fail. 

My father - my teacher

My father - my best friend 

My father - my hero